This Free Upstate NY Balloon Festival Returns This September With 4 Days Of Colorful Skies

The skies above the Adirondacks are about to come alive! The Adirondack Balloon Festival returns for its 52nd year from September 18–21, 2025, filling the horizon with more than 60 colorful balloons over Queensbury, NY and the Lake George area. With dazzling sunrise and sunset launches, family fun, and free admission, this fall tradition is one of the most magical—and most affordable—events in Upstate New York. A Tradition That Took Flight In The 1970s ----------------------------------------- The Adirondack Balloon Festival dates back to 1973, after a Queensbury balloon demonstration inspired Warren County leaders to create a new off-season event. That year, 18 balloonists launched from Adirondack Community College. Over the decades, the festival grew into one of the largest ballooning events in the U.S., drawing 100,000+ visitors annually and pilots from across the world. Today, the event is still volunteer-run, free to the public, and proudly rooted in the community. 2025 Festival Highlights ------------------------ * 📍 Location: Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport, Queensbury, NY * 📅 Dates: September 18–21, 2025 ### 2025 Adirondack Balloon Festival Schedule At A Glance: Thursday, Sept. 18 – Crandall Park * Opening ceremony, music, food vendors, and a Balloon Moonglow night flight Friday, Sept. 19 – Airport * Afternoon craft fair, food, and a launch of up to 70 balloons Saturday, Sept. 20 – Airport * Sunrise flight of up to 80 balloons, all-day music, food, kids’ activities, and a glowing nighttime spectacle Sunday, Sept. 21 – Airport * Sunrise “Walter & Joan’s Mass Ascension” with 80 balloons to close the weekend Beyond The Balloons ------------------- The Adirondack Balloon Festival isn’t just about sky-gazing—it’s a full [family-friendly weekend experience.](https://secretnyc.co/cheapest-family-summer-vacations-2025-us-news-and-world-report/) Visitors can enjoy: * 🍔 Delicious food vendors * 🛍️ A 50+ vendor craft fair * 🎶 Live music & performances * 🎈 Kid-friendly activities * and more! Best of all? The entire event is free and open to the public, making it one of the most affordable and unforgettable fall getaways in Upstate NY. How To Get There From NYC ------------------------- Planning a fall getaway from New York City? Queensbury is about 3.5–4 hours north of NYC by car , making it an easy road trip straight up I-87 North (the Adirondack Northway) . Prefer not to drive? You can take an Amtrak train from Penn Station to Fort Edward–Glens Falls station, which is just 15 minutes from the festival grounds. From there, local taxis and rideshares are available. Another option is the Adirondack Trailways bus , which offers service from NYC to Glens Falls and Lake George. Whether you’re driving, training, or busing, it’s a scenic trip that ends with one of the most colorful fall weekends in Upstate New York. What To Know Before You Go -------------------------- * 🚗 Parking: Premium parking is already sold out. Plan ahead and check the festival’s official website for parking routes * ⏰ Traffic: Expect traffic delays, especially during peak hours (5–9 am & 3–8 pm) * 🌤️ Weather: All flights and events are wind and weather permitting * 🚫 Rules: No dogs, drones, smoking, or remote-control aircraft For over 50 years, the Adirondack Balloon Festival has been one of the top fall events in Upstate NY, offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch dozens of balloons rise over the Adirondack Mountains. ✨ Mark your calendars: September 18–21, 2025. Whether you’re chasing the perfect fall getaway or looking for family fun, this free festival is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Upstate New York. Source: https://secretnyc.co/adirondack-balloon-festival-ny-2025/